Femoral loosening in total hip replacement

Ten cases of loosening of the femoral component following a Charnley total hip replacement were noted in a series of 160 patients. In 3 patients, the femoral component bent without fracturing. All of the patients were overweight. Loosening occurred despite the fact that the femoral component was in a valgus position in 9 of the 10 cases. Collapse of the cancellous bone in the region of the calcar may be a manifestation of the stress of excessive body weight upon the femoral component.